Depression (2)
Overcoming Depression the Bible way • Sermon • Submitted
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· 19 viewsWalking from Darkness into the Dawn
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My theory is, let the Holy Spirit, the finger of God cast that devil named depression out and save yourself a whole lot of time and you can skip the info below.
Info about the Deliverance ministry, what some call exorcism. Send me a message if you are devil bound. I will pray for you, most times, instant relief.
Now for Professional Counseling
“First seek the counsel of the Lord.”
(1 Kings 22:5 NIV)
Depression
Walking from Darkness into the Dawn
June Hunt
Have dark clouds of depression poured their tears upon your soul? Do you feel emotionally stuck … with your mind and emotions all muddled? Do you feel isolated and alone … afraid that no one understands? If so, you are far from being alone. People from all walks of life have languished under the dark clouds of depression.
Can anything bring back the blue skies of contentment? King David—no stranger to depression—discovered the answer. He learned how to exchange the darkness of despair for the light of hope.
Again and again, when his soul was downcast, he intentionally changed his focus—he continually fastened his focus on the faithfulness of his Savior … his Redeemer … his God. At Three different times, in three different verses, David asked himself the same question, and then three times he followed with the same answer.…
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
(Psalm 42:5–6, 11; 43:5)
DEFINITIONS OF DEPRESSION
If you are saying, “I can’t think straight. I can’t feel anything. I can’t even will myself out of the blues!” Perhaps you are weathering the storm clouds of depression. And just as there are different kinds of clouds, there are also different types of depression.
A. What Is Depression?
If you place a heavy iron on a heart-shaped foam pillow, that plump pillow becomes pressed down—“de-pressed.” But the next day, if you remove the iron, the pillow returns to its original form. However, if you wait six months to remove the iron, the pillow will not return to its original shape. Instead, the pillow remains flat and depressed. A pillow, which can sustain temporary pressure, is not designed to hold its shape for a long time under heavy pressure.
The same is true of the human heart. When “pressed down” due to normal pressure from normal situations (situational depression), your heart is designed by God to rebound once the pressure is removed. However, if you live under the weight of heavy pressure for long periods of time, your heart can enter a “state” of depression. Realize, Jesus cares about your heart and knows you are especially vulnerable when you are heavy-hearted. That is why He gives this word of caution …
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
(Luke 21:34)
• Depression literally means being “pressed down” to a lower position (as in a footprint).1
• Depression can refer to a state of decline and reduced activity (as in an “economic depression”).2
• Depression sometimes is a result of an emotional heaviness that weighs the heart down. The apostle Paul used the Greek word bareo, which means “pressed or weighed down,” to describe the immense emotional pressure and severe hardships that he and Timothy suffered at the hands of those who opposed Christ.3 …
“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death.”
(2 Corinthians 1:8–9)
B. What Is Depression in the World of Psychology?
Depression is considered a mood disorder because its predominant feature is a disturbance in mood.4 (Your mood is your emotional state.) In ancient writings, the earliest reference to what is meant by our word “depression” is the word melancholia (literally “black bile”). The assumption was that the melancholy person had an excess of black bile, which resulted in depression.
In the 2nd century AD, the physician Aretaeus referred to his melancholy patients as “sad, dismayed, sleepless.… They become thin by their agitation and loss of refreshing sleep.… At a more advanced state, they complain of a thousand futilities and desire death.”5
Even today, melancholia is defined as “a mental condition characterized by extreme depression, bodily complaints, and often hallucinations and delusions.”6 For those suffering during this dark night of the soul, it could be said …
“For all of them, midnight is their morning; they make friends with the terrors of darkness.”
(Job 24:17)
• “Depression” is the psychological term that pertains to the mental, emotional, and behavioral characteristics of a depressed person. (“Psychology” is the study of the mind relating to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—specifically focusing on why people think, feel, and act as they do.7) For example, those engulfed in the dark waves of depression feel desperately alone and often blame God for their plight.…
“You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend” (Psalm 88:18).
• Depression is a psychological state that exists when the heart is pressed down and unable to experience joy. Those suffering with depression feel trapped underneath a dark, heavy blanket of sadness, grief, and hopelessness.…
“Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night” (Job 5:14).
• Depression is a psychological condition that impacts the whole person: body (the physical), soul (the mind, will, and emotions), and spirit (the source of our deepest inner needs for love, significance, and security … and the need for God Himself). Many who are depressed feel as though this verse describes them.…
“All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger” (Ecclesiastes 5:17).
• Depression is an umbrella term that covers dark feelings ranging from “down-in-the-dumps” disappointment to utter desolation.8 No matter the degree of darkness, the Lord wants us to rely on Him to provide light.…
“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).
C. What Are 4 Different Degrees of Depression?
Although independent of one another, these four categories show an escalating intensity of depression. In general, depression could be divided into two categories: situational and chemical.
• Situational Depression occurs when a painful situation presses the heart down for a period of time.
• Chemical Depression can occur when the body chemistry does not function properly. A person can have either type of depression or both types at the same time. During these heavy-hearted times, hope seems elusive, emotions feel flat, and the heart feels sick. Solomon, the wise author of the book of Proverbs, explains that …
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
(Proverbs 13:12)
(The four types of depression described next are not listed in this order in a diagnostic manual. The terms are used here with the intent to show the increasing negative impact of unresolved depression.)
#1 Normal Depression is …
Sometimes called Situational Depression or Reactive Depression
• An involuntary sadness based on a reaction to painful life situations
— Normal problems of life (such as rejection, failure, or illness), press down the heart for a short period of time.
— Transitional stages of life (such as adolescence, empty nest, midlife crisis, major moves, menopause, or retirement9) often press down the heart.
When severe troubles fell upon God’s servant Job (the death of all his children, the destruction of all his possessions), one of his friends observed Job’s understandable depression.…
“Now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed.”
(Job 4:5)
#2 Masked Depression is …
• Hidden depression (for example, suppressed memories of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse)
• A state of enduring sadness based on unresolved, buried conflict
— Painful feelings are denied or covered up; therefore, recovery takes longer because of failure to work through the pain.
— Relief from emotional pain is unconsciously found in excessive busyness, activities, addictions, or other alternatives.
The Bible describes how hidden hurts still result in heartache.…
“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.”
(Proverbs 14:13)
#3 Neurotic Depression is10 …
• A minor mental and emotional Depressive Disorder
— A person with a neurotic depression has a disorder, meaning that normal activities of daily living are impaired.
— A person with any Depressive Disorder has “clinical depression” and needs diagnosis and treatment based on direct, ongoing observation.
• A prolonged state of sadness lasting longer than the normal time frame expected for emotional recovery and based on “stressors” (for example, loss of an endeared relationship, a financial or work crisis, or retirement)
— Symptoms interfere with normal work and social functioning.
— The cause can usually be traced to an identifiable, precipitating event.
The Psalms reflect the pain of prolonged sorrow.…
“How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?”
(Psalm 13:2)
#4 Psychotic Depression is …
• The most severe type of depression under the classification Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)11
• Based on dissociation or a loss of contact with reality12
— A psychotic depression is an extreme state of depression.
— A psychosis is sometimes accompanied by hallucinations or delusions, making those who are psychotic a potential danger to themselves or others.
Those afflicted with a psychotic depression can identify with the terror, despair, and skewed perspective described in this psalm …
“My days vanish like smoke.… My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.… I lie awake;
I have become like a bird alone on a roof.…
I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears.…
I wither away like grass.”
(Psalm 102:3–4, 7, 9, 11)
D. What Are the 3 Divisions of Mood Disorders?13
Every year, new maladies, as well as new medicines, come on the scene. So, how “new” is depression? As far back as the 4th century BC, the famous physician Hippocrates gave the first clinical description of “melancholia,” including the erratic mood swings of what is called Bipolar Disorder today. Yet over 500 years earlier, the psalmist King David gave this vivid description of his emotions during one of the most severe storms in his life …
“My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.…
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me.
Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
I would flee far away and stay in the desert;
I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.’ ”
(Psalm 55:2, 4–8)
#1 Depressive Disorders, also called Unipolar Depression14
• Unipolar is primarily characterized by one extreme, emotionally low state of depression.
• Unipolar (uni = one; polar = pole) refers to “one extreme end.”
• Unipolar Depression is the most common type of Mood Disorder.
• Unipolar in the psychological community is subdivided into three types: Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Dysthymic Disorder, and Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
When there is continual depression, those with distressed hearts could understandably pray …
“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.”
(Psalm 31:9)
#2 Bipolar Disorders, formerly called Manic Depression15
• Bipolar Disorders are characterized by alternating patterns of extreme emotional highs and lows—mania and depression.
• Bipolar (bi = two; polar = pole) refers to “two opposite ends.”
• Bipolar episodes of mania (an excessively elevated mood) can appear positive and productive to outsiders; however, true mania is negative because it usually leads to destructive decision making, such as buying sprees, impulsive decisions, reckless driving, foolish investments, and immoral behavior.
• Bipolar is subdivided into four types: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymia, and Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
When the heart is distressed due to depression, it can be natural to cry out to God for help as the psalmist did.…
“I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.”
(Psalm 77:1–4)
#3 Mood Disorders based on Etiology16
• Etiology means “cause” or “origin.”17
• The 1st type of etiological depression is:
— Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition18
This means that the unhealthy changes in the body due to illness cause psychological depression. For example, studies have shown 27%–50% of participants with the neurological condition of Parkinson’s Disease developed a marked depression during illness.19
• The 2nd type of etiological depression is:
— Substance-Induced Mood Disorder20
This means that something entering the body causes depression. The substance could be medication, drugs, or exposure to a toxin (for example, alcohol, sedatives, birth control pills, medications to treat various diseases such as Parkinson’s).
No matter the cause, the depressed person feels …
“I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.”
(Psalm 38:8)
E. Is Depression the Result of Sin?
This question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Although some people believe the answer is always yes, the accurate answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no.
• Depression is not a result of sin when …
— Your heart grieves over normal losses. The Bible says …
“There is … a time to weep and … a time to mourn …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4).
— Your body experiences natural deterioration due to the passing of years. Your body chemistry can change and become compromised. The Bible says …
“Outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
• Depression can be a result of sin when …
— You experience the consequences of your sin but don’t attempt to change.
— You don’t take the necessary steps for healing (seeking biblical counseling, memorizing Scriptures, reading Christian materials, getting medical help when appropriate).
— You hold on to self-pity, anger, and bitterness when you have been wronged instead of choosing to forgive.
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17).
— You use your depression to manipulate others.
— You continually choose to blame God and others for your unhappiness.
— You choose to let others control you instead of choosing to obey Christ and allow Him to be in control of you.
— You are willfully choosing to maintain a sinful life.
The Bible says …
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
(2 Corinthians 7:10)
Depiction of Jonah’s Depression
(depression as a result of sin)
Book of Jonah
Jonah’s bout with depression is an example of situational depression that occurs as a direct result of sin. Jonah is a man called by God. Yet he ends up angry, pouting, and in the depths of depression. How does Jonah become so deeply depressed?
• Chapter 1: Disobedience
Jonah is called by the Lord to preach God’s truth to the godless people of Nineveh. But Jonah rebels and boards a ship going in a different direction. When Jonah’s disobedience brings repercussions on the ship’s crew, he is rejected and literally thrown overboard.
• Chapter 2: Dread
Recognizing that the judgment of God is upon him to the point of losing his life (inside the belly of a great fish), Jonah cries out for mercy.… “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry” (Jonah 2:2). The Lord extends mercy and spares his life.
• Chapter 3: Declaration
Jonah resigns himself to obey God’s call. He declares God’s truth, and all the godless people of Nineveh repent.
• Chapter 4: Depression
Jonah becomes angry with God for extending mercy to those whom he doesn’t deem worthy of God’s mercy. Ultimately, he plunges into a severe depression in which he is consumed with bitterness and despair to the extent of wanting to die. Jonah moans … “Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3).
Then, filled with seething anger and self-pity, he makes this brief, poignant statement …
“I’m so angry I wish I were dead” (Jonah 4:9).
F. What Is God’s Heart on Depression?
God did not create you to suffer … or to live a life of misery, pain, or sorrow. The brokenness of our world is reflected in the brokenness of our hearts and our lives. But the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, is able to provide everything we need to find freedom from anxiety and depression. Those whom the Son sets free are free indeed!
• God searches and knows our anxious thoughts.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).
• God does not want us to be anxious or depressed.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
• God invites us to cast our cares on Him.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
• God will work all things for good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
• God promises we will not be crushed, abandoned, or destroyed.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).
• God knows what we need for our lives.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” (Luke 12:22–24).
• God completes us through testing and trials.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4).
• God promises to meet all our needs.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
• God always goes before us and is always with us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
• God will never leave us nor forsake us.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
• God gives us peace in the midst of trouble.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
• God is good to those whose hope is in Him.
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him …” (Lamentations 3:25).
• God offers safety.
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
• God is trustworthy.
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).
• God gives us peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
• God pours out His love into our hearts.
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF DEPRESSION
Those who struggle in the darkness of depression have difficulty seeing good in their lives … especially in themselves. They often look at life through a “black filter.”
The photographer who uses a black lens takes a picture during the daytime, but the final photograph appears to be a night scene. When the depressed see life through their black filter, they feel helpless about their situations, hatred toward themselves, and hopeless over their future.
If you are walking in the darkness of depression, you need to focus on the light of the Lord and know that He profoundly cares. In this psalm, you can see how David chose to change his focus …
“Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’ ”
(Psalm 142:4–5)
A. What Is the Dialogue of the Depressed?
Words are powerful. Words can change minds, hearts, and ultimately lives. When a painful situation causes us to react with negative emotions, the thoughts that follow that reaction will determine whether those emotions will rule us or whether truth will rule us.
Why? Understand, God designed the human brain. At times, we all feel emotional pain. If we activate the language center of the brain, this reduces the strength in the emotional center of the brain. This means that our thoughts have power over our emotions … even overriding our emotions and bringing them into subjection.
Since the spoken word has more power than the unspoken word, speaking words of truth and words of faith is vital so that truth and faith will be strengthened within us.
Ultimately, feelings follow thinking. Therefore, what you say to yourself … about yourself … about your life … about your future … even about God … will determine how you feel about yourself … about your life … about your future … and about God—and His relationship with you. As you line up your thinking with God’s thinking, your words will bring life, not death.…
“The tongue has the power of life and death.…”
(Proverbs 18:21)
• What do you say about yourself?
— “I can’t do anything right!”
— “Why should I even try?”
— “My usefulness is over!”
— “I hate myself!”
— “Look at so-and-so” (in comparison).
— “I must have done something wrong!”
— “Nobody loves me!”
What is the light of truth?
God says to you … “ ‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10).
• What do you say about your situation?
— “I don’t see any way out!”
— “It didn’t matter anyway!”
— “This is intolerable!”
— “It’s not fair!”
— “I’m helpless to change it!”
— “I can’t do anything about it!”
— “I can’t bear it!”
What is the light of truth?
You can say with the apostle Paul … “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).
• What do you say about your future?
— “So what!”
— “Nothing will ever change.”
— “No one will ever love me!”
— “I’ll be too old.”
— “That was my last chance for happiness!”
— “I have nothing to live for.”
— “It’s hopeless!”
What is the light of truth?
God says … “ ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11).
If you are walking in darkness, then cherish these words from the Lord …
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”
(Isaiah 42:16)
B. What Are Depressive and Manic Symptoms?
Some clouds bring a gentle rain. Other clouds produce thunderous lightning. Still others spawn destructive tornadoes. And finally, some storms are so huge that weather forecasters give them actual names … these are hurricanes. By knowing the specific kind of “storm” your depression produces, you can predict struggles and then take refuge.
• Depressed persons display a sad, discouraged, joyless disposition.
Major Depressive Episodes involve any or all of the following classic symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks:21
— Pervasive depressed moods
— Diminished pleasure in usual activities
— Significant change in appetite or weight
— Fatigue or loss of energy
— Diminished ability to think clearly, evaluate, or concentrate
— Slower or more agitated movements
— Too little or too much sleep
— Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
— Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
• Manic persons display unfounded, euphoric dispositions coupled with various acts of abnormally poor judgment.
Manic Episodes occur when the following classic symptoms or a combination of these symptoms (not normal for the person), last for at least one week:
— Inflated ego
— Racing thoughts
— Easily distracted
— Excessive talk
— Sudden distraction
— Decreased need for sleep
— Increased obsession on a goal
— Excessive involvement in pleasures that risk negative consequences
• Bipolar persons display occurrences of both depressive and manic episodes.
Characteristics of King Saul
The extreme emotional and behavioral swings of King Saul are similar to many symptoms of those with a Bipolar Disorder. At times, Saul appeared to have alternating episodes of mania and depression.22
Characteristics of Mania
King Saul’s Manic Behavior
• Irritability
• Disobeying God because of impatience
Being irritated that the prophet Samuel had not arrived to offer the designated sacrifice before battle, Saul became impatient and offered the sacrifice himself. After Samuel arrived, Saul voiced his excuse, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time … I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me.…’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering” (1 Samuel 13:11–12). Saul’s decision was in direct disobedience to the clear command of God.
• Poor judgment
• Forbidding his army to eat in battle
Saul’s army was in distress because Saul had bound his troops to “… an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!’ So none of the troops tasted food” (1 Samuel 14:24). And the men became weak.
• Excessive pleasures
• Keeping excessive battle spoils
God told Saul to completely destroy both the enemy and their possessions; however, Saul kept some of the forbidden battle spoils. “Saul and the army spared … the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good.… Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: ‘I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions’ ” (1 Samuel 15:9–11).
• Inflated self-esteem
• Erecting a monument to himself
Although he went early to meet with Saul, Samuel was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor …” (1 Samuel 15:12).
This was clearly an act of grandiosity.
• Easily distracted
• Becoming distracted by the songs of Israeli women
When his men were returning from battle, rather than focusing on the victory, Saul was easily distracted by what the women were singing. Although the refrain was meant to honor the troops, “Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. ‘They have credited David with tens of thousands,’ he thought, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?’ ” Saul’s frequent irritability was obvious, as “from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David” (1 Samuel 18:8–9).
• Excessive focus on a goal
• Being obsessed with the goal to kill David
When David first began serving the king, “Saul liked him [David] very much.…” However, “When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul … remained his enemy the rest of his days.” Jonathan appealed to his father, “… he [David] … has benefited you greatly.” Saul took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death”. Yet later, “Saul sent men to David’s house … to kill him.…” Saul actually made many more attempts to take David’s life (1 Samuel 16:21; 18:28–29; 19:4, 6, 11).
• Racing thoughts
• Entertaining thoughts to kill the son he loved
To determine whether his father was planning to kill David, Jonathan excused David from the king’s presence, which made Saul furious. He demanded, “Now send someone to bring him [David] to me, for he must die!” Jonathan asked, “ ‘What has he done?’ … But Saul hurled his spear at him [Jonathan, the son he loved] to kill him” (1 Samuel 20:31–33).
• Unfounded, euphoric mood
• Presuming he had the Lord’s favor
In the midst of Saul’s elevated mood, he said, “ ‘God has delivered him [David] into my hands.…’ Saul called up all his forces for battle … to besiege David and his men” (1 Samuel 23:7–8). But Saul’s presumption was dead wrong.
Characteristics of Depression
King Saul’s Depressed Behaviors
• Discouragement, dismay, hopelessness
• Losing hope in the face of fear
Although God had delivered Saul in many battles, when his army was challenged by the Philistine giant Goliath, “… Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” Clearly God had anointed Saul as king, yet he continued to battle debilitating fear and hopelessness. Later, when Saul was again challenged by the Philistines, “… he was afraid; terror filled his heart” (1 Samuel 17:11; 28:5).
• Diminished pleasure in usual activities
• Abhorring David’s lyre or harp playing
Often David soothed Saul’s troubled spirit by playing music: “… David would take his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul.…” Later: “While David was playing the lyre, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall” (1 Samuel 16:23; 19:9–10).
• Increased irritability
• Flying into angry outbursts
“He [Saul] was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did.” With no provocation whatsoever and with a spear in his hand, Saul “… hurled it, saying to himself, ‘I’ll pin David to the wall.’ But David eluded him twice” (1 Samuel 18:10–11).
• Unrealistic negative evaluations
• Accusing his men of treason
In his attempt to find and kill David, Saul made unjust accusations toward his son and innocent countrymen, “Will the son of Jesse [David] give all of you fields and vineyards? Will he make all of you commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds? Is that why you have all conspired against me? No one tells me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is concerned about me or tells me that my son has incited my servant to lie in wait for me, as he does today” (1 Samuel 22:7–8).
• Exaggerated frustration
• Killing his confronter
When Saul falsely accused a priest who had innocently helped David, that priest sought to confront Saul with reason. “Who of all your servants is as loyal as David, the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard and highly respected in your household?” But in denial, Saul said to the priest, “You will surely die … you and your whole family” (1 Samuel 22:14, 16).
• Sad, discouraged, pessimistic
• Bemoaning his fate and fearing David
Saul learned that David had spared his life. With periodic, overwhelming sadness, Saul expressed his dread of the future, saying, “I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not kill off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family” (1 Samuel 24:20–21).
• Loss of appetite
• Refusing to eat
Saul was in such a depressed state that: “He refused and said, ‘I will not eat’ ” (1 Samuel 28:23).
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Taking his own life
Upon receiving a critical wound in battle and being unable to persuade his armor-bearer to kill him, “… Saul took his own sword and fell on it” (1 Samuel 31:4).
Symptoms in Children
Question: “Do children who suffer with depression display any unique symptoms?”
Answer: Yes, apart from the general symptoms for depression, both children and adolescents display classic symptoms based on age and activities.
Depressed children display some additional symptoms:
— Academic or behavioral problems at school
— Tearful or sad countenance
— Mood swings from happy, giddy, silly to sad, angry, irritable
— Temper tantrums that last more than 10 minutes
— Aggressiveness toward peers, teachers, or other adults
— Frequent illnesses to avoid school attendance
— Regression in behavior (clinginess, wanting to sleep with parents, talking baby talk)
Depressed adolescents display still more symptoms:
— Change in friends
— Social isolation
— Interest in music promoting hatred of others or self-destruction
— Defiance of reasonable parental rules
— Drug experimentation
— Sexual experimentation or promiscuous behavior
— Inordinate focus on video games
— Excessive surreptitious use of the Internet
C. What Was Elijah’s Descent into Depression?
Imagine … this one prophet of God courageously standing against 450 false prophets … yet later he cowers before the vengeful threat of one woman.
Elijah had just won a supernatural showdown on Mount Carmel. The “contest” centers around which “god” has the ability to set fire to a wood sacrifice. In the end, this act would prove to all who is the one true God. The odds are 450 to 1 … simply stated, 450 prophets of Baal against the 1 and only prophet of the Lord—Elijah.
The false prophets, after a full day of pleading, cannot cause their false god to bring down fire. However, when Elijah’s turn comes, he begins by intentionally drenching the wood with water. Then, when Elijah calls for fire from heaven, God sends the fire to consume the water-soaked sacrifice. As a result, all of Israel “… fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!’ ” (1 Kings 18:39).
This miraculous act motivates wicked Queen Jezebel to deliver a death threat against Elijah.
He, in turn, flees into the desert. Discouraged and depressed, he wearily pleads. “I have had enough, Lord.… Take my life …” (1 Kings 19:4).
In spite of Elijah’s despondent condition, the Lord ministers to him, meets his needs, and gives him new hope for his heart.…
“He [Elijah] lay down under the bush and fell asleep.… an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.”
(1 Kings 19:5–8)
Elijah’s Descent into Depression
One or more basic needs are threatened.
• Love
• Significance
• Security
Elijah’s security was threatened.
“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there.…”
(1 Kings 19:3)
• Self-pity
• Self-condemnation
• Fear
• Hopelessness
Elijah thought to himself, I have had enough, and asked God to take his life.
“… while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ ”
(1 Kings 19:4)
• Buried resentment over circumstances
Elijah was frustrated that all his efforts seemed in vain.
“He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.’ ”
(1 Kings 19:10)
Adaptation of portions of this graphic used by permission from Larry Crabb, New Way Ministries.
Medicine vs. Faith
Question: “Does taking medicine for depression show a lack of faith in God?”
Answer: No. Various physical conditions can contribute to depression. For example, in bipolar and postpartum depression, a biochemical imbalance exists that can most often be treated successfully with medication. Unfortunately, many Christians fear being labeled unspiritual if they seek medical help for their depression, yet by doing nothing, they can suffer needlessly.
Sometimes medication is needed for a period of time to “level out” mountainous mood swings so that those in the throes of depression can see truth and walk on level ground. Ezekiel 47:12 explains that God made “leaves for healing.” Therefore, medicine is biblical.
Medicine, however, should be used not to numb the pain or to escape it, but to help someone to process the pain. Additionally, medication should be the last avenue—tried only after all other steps have been taken—and always in conjunction with counseling.
Stopping Medication
Question: “Although I’ve struggled for a long time with bipolar, right now, I feel really good. Should I stop taking my medicine?”
Answer: No. The reason you feel so good is because your medicine is working. If you stop the medication, the good feeling will soon be replaced with highs and lows that are typical of bipolar. First consult with your doctor and reduce your medication only under the supervision of your physician. Persevere with the strength of the Lord to do what is right for your overall well-being.
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
(Hebrews 10:36)
III. CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
On June 20, 2001, the nation … and the world … were stunned by a steady stream of horrific TV and radio reports: A woman named Andrea Yates had systematically drowned her children in the bathtub—all five children, ranging from 6 months to 7 years of age.23
In heartrending disbelief, the shocked world asked, “How could a mother do the unthinkable—kill her own children? What could drive a mother to commit such a heinous crime … five times in a row?” In a word, the answer is depression—not just normal depression, but psychotic depression that caused Andrea to break with reality.24
Couldn’t someone have rescued this mother and her innocent children from their ultimate doom? The simple answer is yes. And that is why attaining an in-depth understanding of depression is vital. The Lord admonishes us all to …
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?”
(Proverbs 24:11–12)
A. What Are Physical Contributors to Depression?
Andrea Yates suffered from depression following the birth of her third baby … but much more severely after the birth of her fourth child. Her doctor advised Andrea and her husband not to have more children because of the wide hormonal changes in her body after her last delivery. When her fifth was born, the deficit of her hormones caused her to plunge headfirst into postpartum psychosis (a break with reality).25
Tragically, many mothers with postpartum psychosis are consumed with thoughts of death to their babies and destruction of themselves. They could have written these words …
“The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.”
(Psalm 18:4–5)
6 Physical Contributors to Depression26
#1 Hormonal imbalance
“Can depression be caused by a ‘chemical’ (hormonal or neurotransmitter) imbalance in the brain?” This frequently asked question is answered with an emphatic yes! For example, hormonal changes during puberty, postpartum (after childbirth), and perimenopause (around menopause) can lead to depression.
#2 Medications and drugs
Certain legal and illegal drugs can cause depression, such as analgesics, antidepressants, steroids, contraceptives, and cardiac medications.
#3 Chronic illnesses
Medical problems such as a thyroid deficiency and even a bout with the flu can cause chemical imbalances in the brain which, in turn, can cause depression.
#4 Melancholy temperament
Orderly, gifted, and creative, the person with a melancholy temperament can, at the same time, be moody, overly sensitive, and self-deprecating. Because those with this temperament are analytical, critical, and hard to please, they can take everything too seriously or too personally, quickly becoming depressed over circumstances or the slightest imperfection in themselves or others.
#5 Improper food, rest, exercise
A deficiency in the physical basics of life can contribute to a chronic sense of fatigue, lack of energy, and social withdrawal.
#6 Genetic vulnerability
Those with depressed family members are two times more vulnerable to struggling with depression than those with no family history. Likewise, “50% of manic–depressives have at least one parent with the disorder.”27
If you are concerned about depression, then learn what you can about your family history and your treatment options. Learning as much as possible about your health issues is essential.…
“Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.”
(Job 34:4)
More Depression in Women
Question: “Why do twice as many women have depression as men?”28
Answer: A hormone deficiency can cause severe depression. Women produce only half the amount of the hormone serotonin in their brains that men produce, but they have more serotonin receptors.… However, estrogen in women increases the positive benefits of serotonin by making serotonin reception occur more frequently. For women, the greater challenge of depression occurs at three specific times—prior to a woman’s menstrual cycle, after childbirth, and around menopause—when estrogen levels drop, sometimes dramatically. If a woman’s estrogen level is not sufficient to increase the efficiency of serotonin reception, she may become depressed. This is one reason many women receive estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and other women consult their physicians for medication in order to feel “healthy” again. Jesus said …
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
(Matthew 9:12)
B. Why Is Depression Often Not Diagnosed?
When we see someone who feels “down,” we try to find logical, temporary reasons: “You’re just tired … need more sleep … work too hard … aren’t eating right … need alone time.” While some of those points may be true, we can miss the real diagnosis because of a lack of awareness.
To illustrate, every mother of a newborn baby expects to feel joy and excitement over the new birth. But when she doesn’t, she initially feels immense guilt and confusion. Family and friends can assume, “She’s just tired and exhausted.” Loved ones simply do not understand the causes of her changes in mood and behavior—but they need much understanding. For example …
Postpartum Depression29
• The “Baby Blues”—From 3 to 5 days up to 2 weeks after birth, approximately 70% of new mothers experience the following:
— Sudden mood changes
— Frequent unexplained crying
— Guilt over not bonding with her baby
— Changes in sleeping and eating
— Lack of concentration
— Irritability, anger
— A sense of loss
— Lethargy
• Postpartum Depression—Experienced by up to 20% of birth mothers. Postpartum depression is distinguished from the “baby blues” both by its long duration and the debilitating indifference of the mother toward herself and her children.30
— Excessive concern for the baby because she senses something is wrong with her own feelings about being a mother
— Little or no feeling of love for the baby or for the rest of her family
— A lack of interest in her baby, a feeling of being trapped
— Emotional numbness, sadness, fatigue
— Withdrawal from family and friends
— Significant weight loss or gain
— Anxiety or panic attacks
— Change in appetite
• Postpartum Psychosis—A life-threatening break with reality related to postpartum depression affects 1 or 2 of every 1,000 birth mothers.31
— Having strange thoughts, making strange statements
— Feeling agitated or angry toward her baby and family
— Overly critical of her ability to be a good mother
— Thoughts of harming herself or the baby
— Paranoia, confusion, disorientation
— Delusions that the baby is demon possessed
— Voices or visions of Satan or demons attacking her ability to be a good mother
— Hallucinations commanding her to kill the baby and her other children (infanticide)
The mother struggling with postpartum psychosis could feel that these words are hers …
“The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.”
(Psalm 116:3)
C. What Role Can Medication Play?
Were the family and friends of Andrea Yates aware of the seriousness of her depression?32 Many people questioned, “Did Andrea’s husband do enough to ensure his wife’s safety and the safety of their children?” The court trial revealed that Andrea had been hospitalized for severe depression several times, and twice she was released—prematurely. Rusty (her husband) appealed to her last doctor, stating that Andrea needed the previous medication that had been proven successful, but his plea was to no avail.…
“Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.”
(Psalm 25:17)
Every person on earth has billions of brain cells. These neurons (or nerve cells) both send and receive “chemical messengers” called neurotransmitters, and without them we could neither think nor feel. These neurotransmitters have a major impact on our happiness, sadness, worry, anger, cognitive ability, sleep, memory, anxiety, thinking, and even facial expression. Often in depression, a deficiency of vital neurotransmitters is found—such as low levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).33
How Antidepressants Work
• When an electrical impulse reaches the part of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored (called the pre-receptor site), these chemicals are released from the nerve cell and enter the gap between neurons (called the synapse). These neurotransmitters then travel across the synapse and attach to a post-receptor site in another neuron.
• Antidepressants are nonaddicting drugs that block the reuptake (returning to the same neutron from which it left) and lessen the reduction (degradation) of the depression-related neurotransmitters between synapses. This leads to an increase in the amount of neurotransmitters and ultimately alters other chemicals associated with the nerve cell and nervous system. The result is a cascade of chemical reactions in the brain, which, in turn, lifts the depressed mood and alters behavior.34
Substantiating Need for Medication
Question: “Is there any objective, medical proof to substantiate the need for medication?”
Answer: Yes. With the aid of PET scans (positron emission tomography), physicians can see the difference between the function of a normal brain and a depressed brain.35
• PET scans map how the brain functions.
• They also display changes in the brain after antidepressant medication has been taken.
• Antidepressants can provide a temporary or extended neurological advantage by increasing brain functioning and decreasing depression.
How wonderful that the God of creation made the brain with the capacity to respond to appropriate medication in order to alleviate debilitating depression. The Bible says that we are …
“… fearfully and wonderfully made.…”
(Psalm 139:14)
D. What Are Emotional Contributors of Depression?
At home, a schedule had been arranged so that when Rusty left for work every morning at 9:00, his mother would come at 10:00 to help Andrea with the children, their homeschooling, and the housework. Andrea was left alone at home with the children for only one hour each day. But during that one hour on June 20, 2001, Andrea carried out the drowning of each child.36
How could this tragedy have been avoided? What steps could loved ones have taken to help Andrea move from the darkness of despair into the light of hope? If they had been more keenly aware of the danger, they could have learned much more about her malady and been discerning about what to do. In Proverbs we are told …
“… let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.…”
(Proverbs 1:5)
Sometimes “Depression is anger turned inward.” That statement is not always true, but it is true when anger is suppressed. This stuffed anger or swallowed anger causes masked depression and keeps underlying bitterness from being exposed. Bitterness is a major cause of depression because we feel totally alone in our bitterness.…
“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”
(Proverbs 14:10)
• Do you have unresolved anger over …?
— Loss of a loved one
— Loss of self-esteem
— Loss of control
— Loss of possessions
— Loss of expectations
— Loss of respect for others
— Loss of health or abilities
— Loss of personal goals
If so, the Bible says …
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
(Ephesians 4:31)
• Do you have suppressed fear of …?
— Job loss
— Dying
— Empty nest
— Failure
— Abandonment
— Growing old
— Being alone
— Rejection
If so, the Bible says …
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
(Isaiah 41:10)
• Do you have internalized stress over …?
— Work difficulties
— Relocation
— Marital problems
— Workload
— Financial obligations
— Family responsibilities
— Troubled child
— Health issues
If so, the Bible says …
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7)
Even our deep disappointments must be resolved or else our bitterness will cause trouble, and unresolved anger and bitterness will hurt those close to us.…
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
(Hebrews 12:15)
E. What Are Spiritual Sources of Depression?
Andrea Yates became spiritually unbalanced as a result of having a greater focus on Satan and her sin than on God and His grace. Ultimately, she heard voices claiming that she was evil.… Satan was inside her … and the only way to be rid of him was for her to be executed! A Time magazine writer concluded, “She had to kill the children, as Satan demanded, in order to get the death penalty.”
Andrea said about her children, “They stumbled because I was evil. The way I was raising them they could never be saved.… They were doomed to perish in the fires of hell.”37 Ultimately, after all five deaths, she hoped that her children would be in heaven. No Scripture could represent her skewed thinking more accurately than this proverb …
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
(Proverbs 14:12)
Just as there are physical, emotional, and mental causes for depression, there are also spiritual causes for a despairing heart. Disobedience and guilt provide enough fertile seed to turn any white cloud into a dark storm. You can’t harbor the guilt of displeasing God and still experience the full joy of His salvation. Disobedience and guilt are inseparable. And unless you apply the remedy of confession and repentance (a change of mind and a change of direction), you may find depression sweeping over your soul and spirit, and …
“… you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the Lord will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart.”
(Deuteronomy 28:65)
Depression can be caused by spiritual struggles, but God offers hope and help in His Word.
• Spiritual Warfare
“He [God] reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light” (Job 12:22).
• Conviction of Sin
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8–9).
• Guilt
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
• Shame
“… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
F. What Is the Root Cause of Staying Stuck in Depression?
The truth is that our God-given needs for love, significance, and security … can be legitimately met … in Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:19 makes it plain … “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Had there been clues to the seriousness of Andrea Yates’ mental depression? After she drowned her five young children, the media quickly learned that this rigidly religious family had been dealing with Andrea’s severe depression for several years. Twice in 1999 she had attempted suicide.
The Yates’ tragedy is certainly not the norm, and although many people become seriously despondent, the majority of those who experience major depression will never commit acts that result in death. Yet, Andrea continued to spiral down to even lower depths with frequent thoughts of self-destruction. At this point in her paralyzing depression, she could not accept the truth that …
“Anyone who is among the living has hope …!”
(Ecclesiastes 9:4)
3 God-Given Inner Needs
In reality, we have all been created with three God-given inner needs: the needs for love, significance, and security.38
• Love—to know that someone is unconditionally committed to our best interest
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
• Significance—to know that our lives have meaning and purpose
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2 ESV).
• Security—to feel accepted and a sense of belonging
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge” (Proverbs 14:26).
The Ultimate Need-Meeter
Why did God give us these deep inner needs, knowing that people fail people and self-effort fails us as well?
God gave us these inner needs so that we would come to know Him as our Need-Meeter. Our needs are designed by God to draw us into a deeper dependence on Christ. God did not create any person or position or any amount of power or possessions to meet the deepest needs in our lives. If a person or thing could meet all our needs, we wouldn’t need God! The Lord will use circumstances and bring positive people into our lives as an extension of His care and compassion, but ultimately only God can satisfy all the needs of our hearts. The Bible says …
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
(Isaiah 58:11)
The apostle Paul revealed this truth by first asking, “What a wretched man I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” and then by answering his own question in saying it is “… Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24–25).
All along, the Lord planned to meet our deepest needs for …
• Love—“I [the Lord] have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).
• Significance—“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11).
• Security—“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Wrong Belief:
“I am depressed over the deep disappointments in my life. They have robbed me of all joy. There’s no hope for my future, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Right Belief:
“I admit I am depressed over the circumstances in my life, but Christ lives in me and He is my hope. I will rely on Him to renew my mind with His truth and renew my heart with His hope.” …
“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.… On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us …” (2 Corinthians 1:9–10).
G. How Can You Find Hope When Hope Seems Elusive?
When you are weary … when life isn’t worth living … when hope seems elusive, what do you need to know? You need to know your Burden-Bearer—you need to know Jesus. He wants to be the Shepherd of your soul. His compassionate comfort extends to all those who have lost all hope. He says …
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
When you are weary, how do you receive this rest within your soul? Allow these four truths to set you free.
4 Points of God’s Plan
#1 God’s Purpose for You … is Salvation.
— What was God’s motivation in sending Jesus Christ to earth?
To express His love for you by saving you! The Bible says …
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16–17).
— What was Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth? To forgive your sins, to empower you to have victory over sin, and to enable you to live a fulfilled life! Jesus said …
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).
#2 Your Problem … is Sin.
— What exactly is sin?
Sin is living independently of God’s standard—knowing what is right, but choosing what is wrong. The Bible says …
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17).
— What is the major consequence of sin?
Spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Scripture states …
“Your iniquities [sins] have separated you from your God.… The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23).
#3 God’s Provision for You … is the Savior.
— Can anything remove the penalty for sin?
Yes! Jesus died on the cross to personally pay the penalty for your sins. The Bible says …
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
— What is the solution to being separated from God?
Belief in (entrusting your life to) Jesus Christ as the only way to God the Father. Jesus says …
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.… Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved …” (John 14:6; Acts 16:31).
#4 Your Part … is Surrender.
— Give Christ control of your life, entrusting yourself to Him.…
“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross [die to your own self-rule] and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?’ ” (Matthew 16:24–26).
— Place your faith in (rely on) Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and reject your “good works” as a means of earning God’s approval.…
“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
The moment you choose to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior—entrusting your life to Him—He comes to live inside you. Then He gives you His power to live the fulfilled life God has planned for you. If you want to be fully forgiven by God and become the person God created you to be, you can tell Him in a simple, heartfelt prayer like this:
Prayer of Salvation
“God, I want a real relationship with You.
I admit that many times I’ve chosen to go my own way instead of Your way.
Please forgive me for my sins.
Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins.
Come into my life to be my Lord and my Savior.
Change me from the inside out and make me the person
You created me to be.
In Your holy name I pray. Amen.”
What Can You Now Expect?
If you sincerely prayed this prayer, look at what God says!
“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope.…”
(1 Peter 1:3)
H. What Is Andrea’s Epilogue?
Once Andrea was placed back on the medication necessary to restore a chemical balance within her brain, she returned to a nonpsychotic state. But, she then had to face the horrendous fact that she had taken the lives of her five precious children.
The harsh reality of her actions resulted in overwhelming emotional, psychological, and spiritual pain! How would she process … how would she think through the unthinkable? In a “psychotic” state of mind, she had done that which was inconceivable in a “right” state of mind.
The consequences were catastrophic to the children she cherished and devastating to her own mind and heart. Her mind could be restored to “rightness” but her children could never be restored to life. She would never be without them in her mind and heart … yet she would never be with them in her lifetime.
Andrea’s struggle through the darkness of depression to the life-giving light of redemption was indescribably difficult. Christians who ministered to prisoners reached out to her with the reality of God’s love and forgiveness as well as His ability to comfort her and carry her through the all-consuming litany of losses in her life—her five children … her marriage … her entire way of living. Never would she be the same … never would her life be the same.
As Andrea opened her soul and spirit to God and to His healing hand, she began to experience a new life … His life … and she began to reach out to other women in the prison who also needed a new life in Christ. Never a day goes by that she doesn’t think of and long for her children. But now she misses them without falling back into that deep hole of depression … she lives in the strength of the Lord, knowing that one day she will be united with them in heaven and …
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.…”
(Revelation 21:4)
IV. STEPS TO SOLUTION
If your heart has become “pressed down” like a heart-shaped foam pillow … and if that pressure remains, know that God offers to replace your heavy heart.…
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
(Ezekiel 36:26)
A. Key Verse to Memorize
While traveling by car, you may have encountered violent storms. You are faced with the choice: keep going or pull over to a safe spot and wait it out. The storm clouds of depression are not dissimilar. You face the choices of seeking help or riding it out alone, seeing God’s perspective or becoming drenched in bitterness. No matter how long the sky has been overcast or how long your soul has been downcast, you can rest in the words of the psalmist who said …
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
(Psalm 27:13)
B. Key Passage to Read
While we can’t choose what we inherit genetically, we can choose what we dwell on cognitively. In the medical world, brain scans of those suffering with depression show marked improvement when words of hope, affirmation, and purpose are continually reinforced. In this respect, life is a series of choices. You can choose today to put the Word of God into action.39
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
• Choose to write down a list of all the positives in your life and continually focus on them.
— “Rejoice always,”, v.16
• Choose to talk to God about everything.
— “pray continually,”, v.17
• Choose to thank God for what you are learning right now.
— “give thanks in all circumstances …”, v.18
• Choose to change when God’s Spirit convicts you to change.
— “Do not quench the Spirit.”, v.19
• Choose to take God’s Word seriously.
— “Do not treat prophecies with contempt”, v.20
• Choose to ask, “Is this right in God’s sight?”
— “but test them all;”, v.21
• Choose to do right, even when you are tempted to do wrong.
— “hold on to what is good,”, v.21
• Choose to turn immediately from temptation.
— “reject every kind of evil.”, v.22
• Choose to see how God has “set you apart” (sanctified you) to be who He intended you to be.
— “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.”, v.23
• Choose to commit your whole being to doing what God created you to do.
— “May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless …”, v.23
• Choose to rely on God’s power to do what you are called to do.
— “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”, v.24
C. How to Have a Transformed Life
Reaching the Target: Transformation!
Target #1—A New Purpose: God’s purpose for me is to be conformed to the character of Christ.
“Those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son …” (Romans 8:29).
— “I’ll do whatever it takes to be conformed to the character of Christ.”
Target #2—A New Priority: God’s priority for me is to change my thinking.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
— “I’ll do whatever it takes to line up my thinking with God’s thinking.
Target #3—A New Plan: God’s plan for me is to rely on Christ’s strength, not my strength, to be all He created me to be.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 ESV).
— “I’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill His plan in His strength.”
The Freedom Formula
A New Purpose
+ A New Priority
+ A New Plan
A Transformed Life
D. How to Take Off the Mask … of Masked Depression
As we go through painful events in our lives, we can “sweep them under the rug” and ignore them. However, in doing so, we fail to grieve over our hurts and losses. By “masking” our depression, we try to protect our hearts and hide who we really are and what we don’t want to face. But this kind of masquerade blocks our maturity and our ability to have intimacy with God and others.
Don’t ever fear admitting the personal disappointments—the painful truth about your life directly to God. Allow Him to help you see the reality of your pain from His perspective. He will work through your pain to give you wisdom about life and true depth of understanding. As David said to God …
“Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.”
(Psalm 51:6)
My Time Line
• Draw a long, horizontal line representing your life.
• Divide the time line into three sections—childhood, youth, adult.
• Denote the major changes in your life. Draw short lines extending from the time line and write short phrases by each line that describe all significant events—both positive and negative—including all major hurts and griefs, such as:
Childhood
Youth
Adult
or significant losses and hurts that you have not faced, such as:
— Abandonment
— Failures
— Thwarted goals
— Abortion
— False accusations
— Unjust criticism
— Divorce of parents
— Rejection
— Unrealized dreams
• Discover the source of your masked pain through earnest prayer.
Prayer for Discovery
“Heavenly Father, as Your child, I come to You for help.
Calm my heart. Enable me to see what I need to see.
Make me aware of my need for healing and show me Your truth.
Bring to my mind any hidden hurt in my heart
and the exact circumstances that caused it.
Lead me to discover answers
and find healing through your powerful love.
In Jesus’ strong name I pray. Amen.”
• Define the emotional impact each event had on you with specific statements, such as:
— “This made me feel like _____.”
— “I am grieving over _____.”
— “I was so embarrassed when _____.”
— “I felt abandoned by _____.”
— “I was really hurt when _____.”
— “I’ve been determined to never let _____ happen again.”
• Decide to allow deep, genuine grieving over your losses.
“You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you …” (Psalm 10:14).
• Defuse the power that the event has over your emotions by sharing it with someone you trust and with God.
“There is a time for everything … a time to be silent and a time to speak …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7).
• Deepen your dependence on the Lord to set you emotionally free.
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free” (Psalm 118:5 ESV).
Prayer for Healing
“Dear Lord Jesus, help me to allow You to minister to my wounded heart.
I know that You understand my pain. And I know You have the power
to make me whole. Thank You for loving me.
Thank You that I can have confidence
that You will set me free.
In Your holy name I pray. Amen.”
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
(Jeremiah 17:14)
E. Depression and the Whole Person—Body, Soul, and Spirit40
As illustrated by these two “gingerbread men,” every person is created with a tangible body, an intangible soul, and an intangible spirit, which makes us all “trichotomous” beings. As a person with three parts, you can know that the following is true:
• Your body is your physical makeup (your flesh, bones, and blood).
• Your soul is your personality (your mind, will, and emotions).
• Your spirit is your innermost part:
— That needs spiritual salvation (so your spirit won’t be eternally separated from God)
— That craves the gratification of your deepest inner needs (for love, for significance, and for security)41
— That is designed to be the “home” for the Holy Spirit (Inside every believer’s body, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell the human spirit.)
Adam and Eve were privileged to enjoy God’s presence and even to speak with Him. They had spiritual life because their human spirits were alive to God. Their God-given needs for love, significance, and security were met by God Himself. Warned by God that eating from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” would bring death (Genesis 2:17), Adam and Eve disobeyed God and something indeed died.… They lost spiritual life.
You and I are born in the likeness of Adam … dead to God’s Spirit … until we receive His gift of a new life in Christ Jesus. The Bible says …
“… count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 6:11)
Self-Directed Soul
Spirit-Directed Soul
Medical doctors throughout history have stated that how you respond to life’s disappointments has a direct impact on your body. Likewise, depression can have a profound effect on both your soul and spirit. God encourages us to seek Him for healing and health in all three areas of life … body, soul, and spirit.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:23)
The Body
Today, the increasing number of strugglers with depression could be directly linked to unhealthy eating habits. Jesus probably ate fresh fish every day because fish was the most common meat eaten in biblical times. Jesus fed the multitudes of 5,000 men—then later 4,000—as well as the women and children—by taking five loaves of bread and two small fish (Luke 9:10–17). He often mentioned fish in his teaching analogies.…
“When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.’ He replied, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They answered, ‘We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.’ (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, ‘Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”
(Luke 9:10–17)
If you are suffering with prolonged depression …
• Checkup—get a thorough medical checkup. First, tell the doctor you feel unusually depressed—be specific.
• Medications—Ask your doctor to evaluate all the medications you are taking and to eliminate what is unnecessary. Ask your doctor if any of your medications could contribute to depression. If so, could a substitute be prescribed?
• Sleep—Develop regular sleep habits. Sleep is therapeutic. Only during deep sleep does the brain produce serotonin, which alleviates depression. A lack of sleep contributes to depression.
— Set a regular time to go to sleep and to rise.
— If you are unable to sleep, get out of bed and do something else until you are drowsy.
— Reserve the bedroom for sleep, not for watching TV or using a computer.
— Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and drugs that can keep you awake.
— If necessary, go to a sleep clinic to be evaluated.
• Activities—Maintain a regular, active schedule. Be actively involved in events away from your home, such as spiritual and social functions. Such interaction impacts brain function.
— Accept invitations to be with others even if you don’t initially feel like it.
— Nurturing relationships produce serotonin.
• Stress—Eliminate stress. To alleviate depression, avoid being overly fatigued.
— Consider stress-reducing methods of relaxation (for example, massage therapy, music therapy with classical or Christian, inspirational music)
— Set aside quiet time for relaxation and meditation.
• Food—Eat balanced nutritious meals. Researchers have discovered a link between diet and the rise of depression.
— Eat complex carbohydrates—whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes—to boost serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical in the brain.42
— Eat high fiber food, which increases energy and affects mood.43
— Eat turkey, tuna, and chicken—all high in protein, low in fat, and high in levels of tyrosine, an amino acid that helps concentration and alertness.44
— Eat lean meats and fish, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products; they are sources of selenium, a mineral that can help improve depression.45
— Eat cold-water fish for Omega-3s—mainly salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel, and tuna—and dark, leafy, green vegetables for Omega-6s. Lack of Omega-3s is linked to lower levels of serotonin and norepinephrin in the brain.46
— A key role in normal brain development and function is played by the chemical mechanism called “fatty acid metabolism.” Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal brain structure and function and must be derived from diet.47
— Avoid caffeine, salt, fast food, and junk food.
— Avoid foods containing trans fats such as cereals, cookies, chips, margarine, most fast food, and junk food that block the absorption of Omega-3s and other nutrients for several days after consumption.
— Avoid the “sugar blues” by staying away from sugar, including sugary sodas or soft drinks. Instead, keep hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
— Avoid alcohol, which is a depressant.
• Nutrition—Contact an informed nutritionist. Find out about the therapeutic amounts of fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals that help combat depression through increased levels of serotonin.
— Get on a vitamin D regimen to increase levels of serotonin.
— Take a high quality multivitamin with zinc and magnesium (reduces stress). Depressed people have low levels of these minerals.
— Research trials have indicated that increased consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids can result in a significant reduction of symptoms for bipolar disorder, antisocial and violent behavior, as well as unipolar depression.48
• Exercise—Walk, jog, or swim at least four days a week. Twenty minutes of brisk walking releases endorphins—a natural mood elevator.
• Sunshine—Spend time in the sun enjoying God’s beautiful creation. Research reveals that 30 minutes of sunshine can help alleviate depression. Too little sun produces melatonin, which can cause lethargy.
• Pets—Pet your pet! Giving affection to an animal lowers blood pressure, relieves stress, and allows an increase in good mood chemicals.
• Laughter—Laugh out loud! At least one good belly laugh a day releases a helpful amount of serotonin and norepinephrin. Try reading funny stories or watching a funny movie or comedy on TV for therapy. The Bible says that a “cheerful heart is good medicine …” (Proverbs 17:22).
This biblical prayer should encourage each of us to care for and take responsibility for our physical health.…
“I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
(3 John 2)
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Question: “What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Recently I moved to a town that has gloomy weather, and now I’m feeling gloomy. Everything else in my life is positive. What can I do? It’s as if the fog outside my window has invaded my mind and muddled my thinking.”
Answer: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a winter depression associated with deprivation of sunlight. SAD, also called the “winter blues,” typically begins in the fall with shorter days and less sunlight and ends in the spring as the days get longer.
Too little sunlight entering the eye produces in the brain a hormone called melatonin, which is released with the onset of darkness. Too much melatonin creates a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus region of the brain. In animals, melatonin controls hibernation and causes a decrease in activity. In humans, SAD causes symptoms such as excessive sleep, lethargy, overeating, and depression.49
The best treatment for SAD is light—light is therapeutic.
• First, avail yourself of any and every opportunity to get into the natural sunlight (outdoor reading or exercise, morning or afternoon walks).
• Second, consider purchasing a specially designed light box that produces artificial light and then expose your eyes to the light for 30 minutes to two hours daily. (The length of time depends on the strength of the florescent light.)
• Vacation in places where you can enjoy sunshine.50
“Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7)
The Soul
(the mind, will, and emotions)
When you have lost a significant relationship, whether by rejection, divorce, or death, it is normal for your heart to be depressed. However, after a period of time, normal healing should occur. If your heart has not “resumed its natural shape,” your heart could be in a state of depression. Since the entire soul (mind, will, and emotions) is affected by depression, recovery involves taking steps to treat depression in all three areas of the soul. Each part touched by depression needs to be reached with healing.
#1 Your Mind
What your mind dwells on can be a key ingredient to overcoming chronic depression. Research verifies that what a person chooses to think about literally changes the structure and ability of the brain!51 You need to fill your thinking with God’s thinking—fill your mind with God’s perspective and promises. Romans 12:2 says that you are “… transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Write several Scriptures on index cards and read them several times a day.
By looking at God’s Word, you can discover God’s purpose for allowing the painful losses in your life. Since God is your Redeemer, He has a purpose for allowing everything … even the storms in your life. Psalm 107:20 even says, “He sent out his word and healed them …”
— Make a list—“My Thanksgiving List”—of seven good aspects in your life and spend time every day thanking God for those specifically.
○ During the next week, list seven more specifics for which you can thank God.
○ Keep adding to the list each week.
The Bible says, “… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
— Bring light into the darkness.
In order to combat depression, first write out your dark thoughts. Then, as your rebuttal, write out what God says. Ask the Lord and a friend for help with wording. And then, when dark thoughts come, use cognitive therapy on yourself, which simply means replacing your dark thoughts of despair with the light of truth.…
“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
(2 Samuel 22:29)
• Darkness: “I cannot escape this darkness.”
Light: “The Lord will bring light into my darkness.”
“… my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).
• Darkness: “I feel like I have no refuge … no safe haven.”
Light: “The Lord will be my refuge.”
“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1).
• Darkness: “I feel like I’m in too much trouble.”
Light: “The Lord is my help in trouble.”
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
• Darkness: “I can’t help feeling so restless.”
Light: “My God gives my soul rest.”
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him” (Psalm 62:1).
• Darkness: “I can’t see the path I should take.”
Light: “The Lord will direct my path.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
• Darkness: “My burden is too heavy to bear.”
Light: “The Lord is my Burden Bearer.”
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19).
• Darkness: “I’m afraid to be around people.”
Light: “The Lord will give me strength to be around people.”
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
• Darkness: “My confidence is completely shaken.”
Light: “The Lord will keep my life from being shaken.”
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8).
#2 Your Will
People who have prolonged depression have a paralysis of the will and feel that life has stripped them of their choices. They feel stranded in the middle of the storm with no real options. But that is far from the truth. While it is true that life is sprinkled with unavoidable discouragement, you can avoid letting your mind become drenched with discouragement. That is your choice; it’s an act of the will.
After an initial downpour, you can choose to stay in bed, procrastinate, and rely on yourself for relief, or you can choose to get underneath God’s umbrella of protection and rely on Him. Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). You can choose to trust the Lord with your life.… He is worthy of your trust.…
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
(John 14:1 NLT)
Choose—Even if You Don’t Feel Like It …
• Music—Choose to listen to uplifting and inspirational music.
• Environment—Choose to keep your living environment bright and cheerful.
• Clutter—Choose to keep a clean, uncluttered environment.
• Occult—Choose to clear your home of objects associated with activities related to the demonic or the occult.
• Telephone—Choose to resist long periods of time on the telephone, which keep you from accomplishing what is needed.
• Television—Choose to avoid spending too much time watching television.
• Thank-you notes—Choose to write thank-you and encouragement notes to others.
• Goals—Choose to set small, attainable goals every day.
• Giving—Choose to look for something you can do for someone each day, and you will experience God’s truth that, indeed, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck” (Proverbs 3:21–22).
When King Saul needed soothing for his troubled soul, David played music on the lyre.…
“Whenever the [evil] spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.”
(1 Samuel 16:23)
#3 Your Emotions
Often people who are depressed have difficulty expressing their feelings in a healthy way. A common cause of depression is buried feelings as a result of loss or past hurts. Ignored or denied feelings won’t go away. They are buried alive, deep inside your soul, where they fester and create an infection that produces poison in your body. That is why it is vital to face your feelings.
Bring your heartache and hurts, your anxiety and anger, your fear and frustration to Jesus. Pour out your heart to Him and receive His comfort. He alone understands the depth of your pain. The Bible assures us that …
“We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:15–16)
Anniversary Depression
Question: “What is anniversary depression?”
Answer: Anniversary depression is a yearly, recurring depression related to the anniversary date of a traumatic event. Triggered by painful memories, this involuntary, emotional reaction lasts only for a limited period of time. Examples:
— Many women dive into a depression each year around the anniversary of the abortion of their child or the anniversary of placing their child into another home for adoption.
— Widowed men and women can have anniversary depression around the date of their mate’s death.
The Bible speaks of being mired in the pain from the past, but also offers the hope of how to get unstuck! We have the choice to change our focus.…
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:19–23)
Ways to Deal with Anniversary Depression
• Understand that your depression is rooted in a real loss from your past and that what you are experiencing is not uncommon.
• Acknowledge your emotions. Write out all painful memories and process them with a helpful person you can trust.
• Release your pain to the Lord and receive His comfort and healing.…
“Lord, You know the pain I’ve felt over
().
I now release all this pain into Your hands.
Set me free in my soul and spirit.
Thank You for wanting to heal me and make me whole.
In Your precious name I pray. Amen.”
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
(Psalm 34:18)
• Anticipate any upcoming anniversary and plan ahead for ways to counter possible depression. For instance, plan a trip with someone or arrange a social event so you will not be alone and so your mind will be focused on something other than the past event.
• Turn your anniversary date into an occasion that will produce new, positive memories by serving others in a meaningful way. Remember …
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
(Acts 20:35)
#4 Your Spirit
The security and strength of every Christian is the day-by-day indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 reveals that God plans for you to be an overcomer … “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” Since He is literally God living within you, you are to live dependently on Him for everything.
• Realize, even in the depths of your despair and the darkness of your depression, God is with you, for His Spirit is within you.
• Realize, when you cry in the night, He sees every teardrop and holds your soul as a mother holds her crying infant to her heart.
• Realize, though you do not see Him with your physical eyes nor feel Him with your physical touch, you can see Him with your spiritual eyes, and you can experience His joy and His “peace that passes all understanding.”
• Realize, He promises to give you hope for your heart.
To overcome depression, look inward, not to yourself, but to Him, who is the God of hope.…
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13)
F. How You Can Learn to Conquer Depression
When darkness falls into our lives, we can too easily become consumed with the situation that causes our darkness. At those times, we have difficulty seeing all that God wants for us to see. During those days when we are shrouded with darkness, we must not trust in our own perspective. Instead, we need to see life from God’s perspective. And the only way to have that view is to confront our losses, offer our hearts to God, and allow Him to shed His light on our lives.…
“Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.” (Isaiah 50:10)
C-O-N-Q-U-E-R
(The following acrostic will help you “conquer” your depression.)
C—Confront all the losses in your life.
• Allow yourself to grieve and to be healed.
The Bible says … “[There is] a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance …” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
O—Offer your heart to Christ and give Him control.
• Confess your sins, and He will cleanse you of sin.
The Bible says … “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8–9).
N—Nurture the thoughts of God’s love for you.
• Notice: His love will not end.
The Lord says … “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).
Q—Quit all negative thinking.
• Replace all negative self-talk by focusing on the positive.
The Bible says … “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
U—Understand God’s purpose for allowing your personal pain.
• God promises to use your heartaches for your ultimate good.
The Bible says … “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
E—Exchange your hurt for thanksgiving.
• Choose to give thanks even when you don’t feel thankful.
The Bible says … “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
R—Remember God’s sovereignty over your life.
• He promises hope for your future.
The Bible says … “You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth” (Psalm 71:5).
Unforgiveness
Question: “Is forgiveness always right? I was severely hurt by someone I completely trusted and now I find myself depressed.”
Answer: Our thinking impacts our feelings. If you are harboring unforgiveness in your heart toward someone, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression as a result of failing to extend forgiveness and not letting go of negative thoughts and feelings. Forgiving someone who has grievously wronged you is not easy, but it is right and it is “doable.” It is the doorway that God has made through which you must walk in order to gain emotional and spiritual freedom. The Bible says …
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
(Colossians 3:13)
• Make a list of all the offenses committed by your offender.
• Imagine right now a meat hook around your neck and a burlap bag hanging from the hook in front of you. And imagine all the pain caused by the offenses against you—dropped into the burlap bag. So, now you have 100 pounds of heavy rocks—rocks of resentment—hanging from the hook around your neck.
• Ask yourself, Do I really want to carry all that pain with me for the rest of my life? Are you willing to take the pain from the past and release it into the hands of the Lord?
• If so, right now, take all the pain and release it to Jesus.
• Then also take the one who offended you off of your emotional hook and place your offender onto God’s hook. The Lord knows how to deal with your offender … in His time and in His way. God says …
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay.”
(Deuteronomy 32:35)
Prayer to Forgive Your Offender
“Lord Jesus, thank You for caring about how much my heart has been hurt.
You know the pain I have felt because of ().
Right now I release all that pain into Your hands. Thank You, Lord,
for dying on the cross for me and extending Your forgiveness to me.
As an act of my will, I choose to forgive ().
Right now, I move () off of my emotional hook onto Your hook.
I refuse all thoughts of revenge. I trust that in Your time and in Your way,
You will deal with () as You see fit. And Lord, thank
You for giving me Your power to forgive so that I can be set free.
In Your precious name I pray. Amen.”
G. Discover God’s Purpose for Permitted Depression
God has a purpose for everything that touches your life. Even the times of painful pruning are useful in the hands of God. Depression can heighten your awareness of God and increase your dependency on Him. It can open your eyes to His unique design for you before, during, and after your bouts with despondency. Remember, just as storms replenish dry and parched ground and give birth to flowers and new life in the spring, so the storms in your life can revitalize your relationship with God and give birth to greater fruit of the Spirit in your life.…
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
(John 15:2, 8)
Your depression may have been permitted by God to …
• Warn you that something is wrong
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word” (Psalm 119:67).
• Slow you down and cause you to reflect inwardly
“We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
• Reveal to you your weakness
“He [the Lord] said … ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I [Paul] will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
• Bring you to Himself
“… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).
• Develop your trust in Him
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5).
• Begin a healing process for damaged emotions
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise” (Jeremiah 17:14).
• Develop your perseverance and maturity
“Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4).
• Confirm your worth and the value of your life
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6–7).
• Cause you to rely on His resources
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3–4).
• Increase your compassion and understanding for others
“… the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort … comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
H. Dos and Don’ts for Family and Friends
Be aware of the power of your words. If you express kindness in what you say, you can be God’s instrument of hope to help change the disposition of those who are depressed.…
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25)
• Don’t say: “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
Do Say: “I care about what you are feeling.”
— Ask, “Would you like to share your feelings with me?”
— Say, “If ever you want to talk, I’m here for you.”
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5).
• Don’t say: “You must eat! Think of all the starving children in the world.”
Do Say: “Even if we’re not hungry, we need to eat. Cars need gas for energy—we need food for energy.”
— Bring nutritious food to their home or take them out to eat … perhaps on a picnic.
— Encourage healthy eating habits. (No junk food, no sugar—sugar gives a temporary high, then the blood sugar drops, creating the “sugar blues.”) The Bible says we need to have …
“Food for the stomach …” (1 Corinthians 6:13).
• Don’t say: “You need to quit taking that medicine.”
Do Say: “Not all medicines work the same for everyone. I’ll go with you to get a thorough medical evaluation so that the doctor can make sure the medicine is working for you.”
— Talk specifically to a competent doctor who specializes in depression.
— Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).
• Don’t say: “You just need to pray more.”
Do Say: “I’m praying for you, and I’m going to keep praying.”
— Pray with them, and tell them you are praying for them.
— Ask specifically, “How can I pray for you today?”
“… far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).
• Don’t say: “You just need to read the Bible more!”
Do Say: “There are several passages in the Bible that have given me much hope, and I’ve written them out for you. May I share them with you?”
— Give them hope-filled Scriptures to read three times a day: after awakening, midday, and bedtime. (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 130:5)
— Help them memorize Scripture. (Philippians 4:6–8, 13, 19)
“They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave” (Psalm 107:19–20).
• Don’t say: “You need to get involved in a church.”
Do Say: “I’m involved in a church where I’ve been learning how meaningful life can be. I would love for you to come with me next Sunday, and afterward we can have lunch together.”
— Invite them to come to church with you.
— Involve them in a small group Bible study.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another …” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).
• Don’t say: “Snap out of it! Get over it!”
Do Say: “I’m going to stick with you, and we’ll get through this together.”
— Admit, “I don’t know everything I wish I knew, but I’m willing to help.”
— State, “If you can’t hold on to God, hold on to me because I’m holding on to God.”
“… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
I. How You Can Help
When you have depressed loved ones in your life, you want to do something that will make a difference, but the question is what?
Most important of all, do not avoid them. Find ways to show you care, such as planning an activity with them that you think they would enjoy, reading to them, exercising with them (walking, jogging, swimming). Invite them to outside events or even to run errands with you.
Because of their tendency to withdraw and isolate, help them get involved in activities—not just as a spectator. Perhaps, help them find a hobby. Realize, you may be their only lifeline of hope, and they need to stay “connected.” Do what you wish someone else would do for you if you were struggling with depression.…
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
(Luke 6:31)
• Learn all you can about depression—Read books, watch videos, attend seminars, visit websites, such as the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov).
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12).
• If suicide is a concern, ask—“Are you thinking about hurting yourself or taking your life?” They may get mad, but it’s better to have a mad friend than a dead friend.
“The tongue has the power of life and death …” (Proverbs 18:21).
• Take all threats of suicide seriously—15% of those who are depressed ultimately kill themselves.52
“The words of the mouth are deep waters …” (Proverbs 18:4).
• Be an accountability partner—“I’m with you in this, and I won’t abandon you.”
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
• Initiate regular dialogue—Frequent phone calls, intentional contact.
“The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction” (Proverbs 16:21).
• Listen and hear their pain—Listening affirms their value.
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
• Talk about depression—Talking helps remove the stigma of depression.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Proverbs 25:11 ESV).
• Find a support group—There is strength in numbers! Inquire at a nearby hospital, dial 411, or search the web for listings of local area support groups dealing with depression or mental illness.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
• Verbally encourage them—Sincerely and often.
“Encourage one another and build each other up …” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
• Realize the power of touch—A hand on the shoulder and appropriate hugs and kisses.
“Greet one another with a kiss of love” (1 Peter 5:14).
• Play inspirational praise music to lift their spirits—Music is therapeutic.
“… speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:19).
• Bring laughter into their lives—Funny cards, videos, movies, and people.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine …” (Proverbs 17:22).
• Provide “nutritional therapy”—For example, B vitamins (including folic acid), Vitamins C and E, calcium, and magnesium are helpful for combating depression. Ask your doctor, seek the opinions of doctors who are interested in nutrition, and study nutrition on your own.
The Bible refers to “… leaves for healing” (Ezekiel 47:12).
• Help them set small, daily goals that require minimum effort—Check on their progress regularly.
“… the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4).
• Enlist help from other family and friends—Be specific about your concerns.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
A Positive Perspective on Depression
The famous English pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon (often referred to as the greatest preacher of the 19th century) openly reflected on his own depression, and with his very description, we gain much insight.
The times most favorable to fits of depression, so far as I have experienced, may be summed up in a brief catalogue. First among them I must mention the hour of a great success. When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means, and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint.…
Before any great achievement, some measure of the same depression is very usual. Surveying the difficulties before us, our hearts sink within us.… This depression comes over me whenever the Lord is preparing a larger blessing for my ministry.…
In the midst of a long stretch of unbroken labor, the same affliction may be looked for. The bow cannot be always bent without fear of breaking. Repose is as needful to the mind as sleep to the body.…
This evil will also come upon us, we know not why, and then it is all the more difficult to drive it away. Causeless depression is not to be reasoned with.… If those who laugh at such melancholy did but feel the grief of it for one hour, their laughter would be sobered into compassion.…
If it be enquired why the Valley of the Shadow of Death must so often be traversed by the servants of King Jesus, the answer is not far to find. All this is promotive of the Lord’s mode of working, which is summed up in these words: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” … Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below, and earth shall be better tilled because of our training in the school of adversity.53
When your heart feels weary and deeply pressed down,
let the weight of your depression press you closer to the Lord.
—June Hunt
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®
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Scripture quotations marked “NKJV™” are taken from the New King James Version®.
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2014.4.30/14 (NIV)
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Crabb, Jr., Lawrence J.Understanding People: Deep Longings for Relationship, Ministry Resources Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987.
Fairchild, Roy W. “Sadness and Depression.” Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling. Edited by Rodney J. Hunter, et al., 1103–1106. Nashville: Abingdon, 1990.
Grunlan, Stephen A. and Daniel H. Lambrides, Healing Relationships: A Christian’s Manual for Lay Counseling. Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications, 1984.
Hart, Archibald and Catherine Hart Weber, Unveiling Depression in Women: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Depression. Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 2002.
Hunt, June. Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2008.
Hunt, June. How to Forgive … When You Don’t Feel Like It. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2007.
Hunt, June. How to Handle Your Emotions. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2008.
Hunt, June. Keeping Your Cool … When Your Anger Is Hot. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2009.
Hunt, June. Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2008.
McGee, Robert S. The Search for Significance, 2nd ed. Houston, TX: Rapha, 1990.
Minirth, Frank B., and Paul D. Meier. Happiness Is a Choice: The Symptoms, Causes, and Cures of Depression. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994.
Minirth, Frank B., In Pursuit of Happiness. Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 2004.
Wright, H. Norman. Beating the Blues: Overcoming Depression and Stress. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1988.
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
Psalm 54:4 (NIV)
“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
“… in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
James 1:12 (NIV)
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Job 6:10 (NIV)
“I would still have this consolation—my joy in unrelenting pain—that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“ ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ”
When I feel downcast and my soul is disturbed within me, what can I do?
Depression
When I am depressed, should I seek counsel from many advisers?
Depression
When I pass through the waters of deep depression, what does God say to me?
Depression
When I feel depressed with unrelenting pain, can I find any consolation or joy?
Depression
When I’ve lost all hope for the future, does the Lord still have plans for me?
Depression
When I am depressed, in what can I put my hope?
Depression
When I am depressed, who sustains me?
Depression
When I am depressed, what things should I think about and dwell on?
Depression
When I am depressed, what will guard my heart and mind?[1]
NIV New International Version
1
Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 2005), Merriam-webster.com, s.v. “Depression.”
2 Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, s.v. “Depression.”
3 James Strong, Strong’s Greek Lexicon electronic ed. Online Bible Millennium Ed. V. 1.13 (Timnathserah Inc., July 6, 2002), s.v. “Bareo.”
4 American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., text revision (Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 2000), 345.
5 H. Norman Wright, Beating the Blues: Overcoming Depression and Stress (Ventura, CA: Regal, 1988), 9.
6 Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, s.v. “Melancholia.”
7 Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, s.v. “Psychology.”
8 See Stephen A. Grunlan and Daniel H. Lambrides, Healing Relationships: A Christian’s Manual for Lay Counseling (Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications, 1984), 121.
9 American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., text revision (Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 2000), 679.
10 For information on Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood see DSM-IV TR, 679–683.
11 DSM-IV TR, 349–356.
12 DSM-IV TR, 374–375.
13 For this section see DSM-IV TR, 345–382.
14 For this section see DSM-IV TR, 345.
15 For this section see DSM-IV TR, 345, 382–401.
16 DSM-IV TR, 345, 401–409.
17 Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, s.v. “Etiology.”
18 For this section see DSM-IV TR, 401–405.
19 University of Alberta, “Depression Often untreated in Parkinson’s Disease Patients,” ScienceDaily, July 12, 2007, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070709181334.htm.
20 For this section see DSM-IV TR, 405–409.
NKJV New King James Version
21 For these and other symptoms see Frank B. Minirth, In Pursuit of Happiness, (Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 2004), 24–25.
22 For these and other symptoms see Minirth, In Pursuit of Happiness, 26. For characteristics of mania and depression see: National Institutes of Health, Bipolar Disorder (Bethesday, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, 2008), NIH Publication 08–3679, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm; David E. Larson, ed., Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 2nd ed. (New York: William Morrow and Company, 1996), 1125–1126.
23 CNN.com, “Texas mother charged with killing her 5 children,” June 21, 2001. http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/06/20/children.killed/index.html.
24 For information on postpartum depression see: Archibald D. Hart, “The Psychopathology of Postpartum Disorders,” Christian Counseling Today 10, no. 4 (2002): 16–17.
25 DSM-IV TR, 422.
26 For further contributors to depression see Archibald Hart and Catherine Hart Weber, Unveiling Depression in Women: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Depression (Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 2002), 49–65.
27 Hart and Weber, Unveiling Depression in Women, 56.
28 See Michael Lyles, Women and Depression, Extraordinary Women, EW 301, videocassette (Forest, VA: American Association of Christian Counselors, n.d.).
29 For facts and figures in this section see Christy Oglesby, “Postpartum Depression: More than ‘Baby Blues,’ ” CNN.Com, June 27, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/2001/HEALTH/parenting/06/26/postpartum.depression/index.html; DSVM-IV TR, 422–423; Hart and Weber, Unveiling Depression in Women, 126.
30 For this section see DSVM-IV TR, 422–423; Hart and Weber, Unveiling Depression in Women, 126.
31 For this section see DSVM-IV TR, 422–423; Michael R. Lyles, “Psychiatric Aspects of Postpartum Mood Disorders,” Christian Counseling Today 10, no. 4 (2002): 19.
32 For information on Andrea Yates see The Andrea Yates Story, videocassette (A & E Television Networks, 2003).
33 Minirth, In Pursuit of Happiness, 208.
34 Minirth, In Pursuit of Happiness, 43–45.
35 For PET scan images see Minirth, In Pursuit of Happiness, 189–190.
PET Positron Emission Tomography
36 Timothy Roche, “Andrea Yates: More to the Story,” Time, March 18, 2002, http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,218445,00.html.
37 Roche, “Andrea Yates: More to the Story,” Time.
38 On the three God-given inner needs, see Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr., Understanding People: Deep Longings for Relationship, Ministry Resources Library (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987), 15–16; Robert S. McGee, The Search for Significance, 2nd ed. (Houston, TX: Rapha, 1990), 27–30.
ESV English Standard Version
NKJV New King James Version
39 Minirth, In Pursuit of Happiness, 208.
ESV English Standard Version
ESV English Standard Version
40 See also W. Ian Thomas, The Mystery of Godliness (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1964), 54–69.
41 On the three God-given inner needs, see Crabb, Jr., Understanding People, 15–16; McGee, The Search for Significance, 27–30.
42 For information on this section see WebMD, checked on 3/19/2014, http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/how-food-affects-your-moods.
43 For information on this section see Mercola, checked on 3/19/2014, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/02/food-affects-mood.aspx.
44 For information on this section see The Franklin Institute, checked on 3/19/2014, http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/proteins.html.
45 A. J. Richardson, “The Importance of Omega-3 fatty acids for behavior, cognition, and mood,” Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition, vol. 47, no 2 (Lund, Sweden: Taylor and Francis Health Sciences, 2003), 93.
46 Alan C. Logan, “Neurobehavioral aspects of omega-3 fatty acids: possible mechanisms and therapeutic value in major depressions,” Alternative Medicine Review, November, 2003, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_4_8/ai_111303983.
47 Richardson, “The Importance of Omega-3 fatty acids …,” Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition, 94.
48 Richardson, “The Importance of Omega-3 fatty acids …,” Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition, 94.
SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder
49 Seasonal Affective Disorder Association, “Symptoms,” (Steyning, England, 2009), http://www.sada.org.uk/symptoms-of-SAD.html.
SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder
50 For this section see Hart and Weber, Unveiling Depression in Women, 180–181; Seasonal Affective Disorder Association, “Treatment,” http://www.sada.org.uk/SAD-treatment.html.
51 Minirth, In Pursuit of Happiness, 163.
NLT New Living Translation
NLT New Living Translation
52 Roy W. Fairchild, Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling, ed. Rodney J. Hunter, et al. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1990), s.v. “Sadness and Depression,” 1104.
ESV English Standard Version
53 Charles H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, new ed., Ministry Resources Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1980), 158–164.
NIV New International Version
NIV New International Version
[1] Hunt, J. (2008). Biblical Counseling Keys on Depression:
Walking from Darkness into the Dawn (pp. 1–55). Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart.